She stood at the head of the sluice, looking at him. He was unaware of anybody’s presence. He looked very busy, like a wild animal, active and intent. She felt she ought to go away, he would not want her. He seemed to be so much occupied. But she did not want to go away. Therefore she moved along the bank till he would look up.

Which he soon did. The moment he saw her, he dropped his tools and came forward, saying:

‘How do you do? I’m making the punt water-tight. Tell me if you think it is right.’

She went along with him.

‘You are your father’s daughter, so you can tell me if it will do,’ he said.

She bent to look at the patched punt.